1. Overview
Rhatha Phongam (รฐา โพธิ์งามRa-tha Pho-ngamThai), also known by her nickname Ying (หญิงYingThai) or Yayaying (ญาญ่าญิ๋งYayayingThai), is a prominent Thai actress, singer, and model. She gained international recognition for her supporting role as Mai in the 2013 crime thriller film Only God Forgives, which brought her to the attention of Western audiences. Throughout her career, she has released several solo albums, participated in numerous special music projects, and starred in a wide array of Thai and international films, television series, and theatrical productions. Phongam is also known for her work as a television host, mentor on reality shows, and her engagement in social and political issues in Thailand.
2. Early Life and Background
Rhatha Phongam's personal history is rooted in a family with a strong entertainment background, shaping her upbringing and educational pursuits.
2.1. Birth and Family
Rhatha Phongam was born on May 19, 1983, in Bangkok, Thailand. Her original birth name was Veera-wan Phongam (วีรวัลย์ โพธิ์งามVeera-wan PhongamThai). She is the only daughter of Noi Phongam (น้อย โพธิ์งามNoi PhongamThai), a renowned Thai comedian, and Suban Singchanon (สุบรรณ สิงห์ชานนท์Suban SingchanonThai), a television host and singer who performed with Plearn Promdan's band. Before Rhatha's birth, her parents visited Ganesha to pray for a child. After her birth, her maternal grandfather named her "Veera-wan." Her parents later separated, and she was raised primarily by her mother. She is also the niece of the actor and comedian Suthep Po-ngam (เทพ โพธิ์งามSuthep Po-ngamThai), who is her mother's elder brother. In May 2021, Rhatha Phongam officially registered her marriage with Tulyatep Euawittaya (ตุลยเทพ เอื้อวิทยาTulyatep EuawittayaThai), and they celebrated their wedding on May 19, 2022.
2.2. Education
Rhatha Phongam pursued a comprehensive educational path. She completed her secondary education at Saint Joseph Bangna School up to Grade 11, and then at Phra Haruthai Convent School for Grade 12. For her higher education, she attended Bangkok University, where she earned both a bachelor's degree in Humanities with a major in English and a master's degree in Business Economics from the Faculty of Economics. Following her studies at Bangkok University, she spent a year studying English in Australia. She is currently pursuing a second master's degree in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Sciences at the College of Integrated Medicine, Dhurakij Pundit University. After entering the entertainment industry, she changed her given name from "Veera-wan" and her stage name "Yayaying" to "Rhatha" based on a fortune teller's advice.
3. Music Career
Rhatha Phongam began her career as a singer at the age of 16, after showcasing her vocal talents on a television program, which quickly brought her into the spotlight. She has since released multiple albums and participated in various musical projects.
3.1. Solo Albums
Rhatha Phongam has released three solo studio albums:
- Yaya Ying (1998/1999), her debut album, released on May 13, 1999. It included songs such as "E Rung Tung Nang", "Pood Mai Ork", "Kum Tum Ma Da", "Mai Ngai Loei", "Rak Tee Yung Yoo", "Pai Mai Pen", "Tao Nun", "Ah!", "Ni Tan Kong Por", "Pak Ron", and "Pror Rak Kong Ther".
- Jeedd! (จี๊ดด!Jeedd!Thai) (2001), released on April 20, 2001. This album featured tracks like "Jeb Nid...Nid", "Yok Pai...Yai Ma", "Pee Chai (Tee Mai Saen Dee)", "Ah Na", "Ror Eek Nid", "Kid Pai Eng", "Don", "Rue Mee Krai...Huong Yai Ther", "Yoo Dee Dee...Mai Wa Dee", "Ther Kon Diaw", "Paep", "Jeb Nook...Nook (remix)", and "Yok Yok Yok Oi (remix)".
- Khor Thod Na Ka Khor Thod (ขอโทษนะคะ ขอโทษKhor Thod Na Ka Khor ThodThai) (2003), released on February 25, 2003, which was her final solo album. Songs on this album included "Khor Thod Na Ka Khor Thod", "En Non Lub", "Suan Kern", "Hai Jai Mai Meuan Kao", "Noi Noi", "Cham Took Chao", "Rak Mee Wet Mon", "Chan Mai Plian", "Veerawan", "Buak Lob Gor Oun Jai", "Yak Hai Roo Wa Ngao", and "Bon Jing Na".
3.2. Special Albums and Collaborations
Phongam has been part of several special album projects and group collaborations:
- Cheer Female (2001): She contributed to this album, singing "Poo Ying Rong Hai" with Katreeya English and Bryony, and "Jeb Nid...Nid". Other artists involved included Patiparn Pataweekarn, China Dolls, Zaza, Joey Boy, Dragon Five, Bubble Girls, Power Pat, Look Hin, and Natalie.
- 2002 Rah Tree (2001/2002): This project featured Rhatha alongside Katreeya English, China Dolls, and Jennifer Politanont. Tracks included "Genie Ja", "Happy Party", "Pee Suea Ra Tree", "Do Re Mi", "Haew Tor Ra Kum Buay", "Mue Aew Tua Lae Ther", "Mae Dok Ma Li", "Jao Sa Mut", "Medley X Mas", and "La La La".
- Cover Girls (2003): In this album, she performed "Dae Kon Kon Nun", "Chichiquita", and "I Will Survive" with artists such as Annita, Zaza, 3G, China Dolls, Jamp, and Baby V.O.X.
- Wan Wan 1-2 (2004): This Grammy Grand album included various songs like "Won Lom Fak Rak", "Roo Wa Kao Lok", "Roop Lor Thom Pai", "Taeng Ngan Gun Her", "Noi Jai Rak", "Yom Ban Jao Ka", "Ja Kor Gor Reep Kor", "Yak Fung Sam", "Fon Nao Sao Kruan", "Hang Kreuang", "Fak Din", "Ta Paeng Ror", "Kun Mai Rak Tum Mai Mai Bok", "Sao Rum Wong", "Klab Pai Tam Mia Doo Gon", "Sao Na Koi Koo", "Kod Morn Non Nao", "Kun Mor Ka", "Tee Rak Rao Rak Gun Mai Dai", "Oi Jeb", "Ah Ah Lor", "Roo Laew Ya Bok", "Noo Mai Yom", and "Sut Tai Tee Krung Thep".
- Cover Girls 2 (2004): She collaborated with Annita, Zaza, Mod 3G, and Lisa Bubblegirl on this album.
- 2005 Tiwa Hula Hula (2005): This album featured Rhatha with Katreeya English, China Dolls, and Jennifer Politanont. Songs included "Hula Hula", "Oh...Oh...Oh", "Ta Laen Taen Taen", "Mon Jan", "Kuen Nee", "Ron", "Hua Jai Mai Koey Lub", "Huong Laew Huong Eek", "Hello Ta Lay", and "Happy Day".
- 2007 Show Girls (2006): She joined Katreeya English, Jennifer Politanont, and Bell from China Dolls for this album, singing tracks like "Ooh La La", "Siam Muang Yim", "Lady Moonlight", "Can Do Can Dance", "Kon Jai Ngai", "Eyes In The Sky", "Chan Ja Doo Lae Took Na Tee Jak Nee Pai", "Tong Karn Arai Jak Chan?", "Kra Sae Kao Ma Si", and "Keb Nam Ta Wai Hai Kub Tua Eng".
- Brazia (2009): Rhatha collaborated with Jennifer Politanont and Bell from China Dolls on this album, which included songs such as "Beat It", "Flashdance (What a Feeling)", "Vogue", "Funkytown", "Grease", "I Can't Tell You Why", "I Will Always Love You", "Kiss Me", "I Wanna Do It With You", "Johnny Can't Read", "I Shall Sing", and "Make Up Your Mind".
3.3. Singles
Rhatha Phongam has released several singles:
- "Deng Deng Deng" (เด้งเด้งเด้งDeng Deng DengThai) (2013)
- "Ya Phaew" (อย่าแผ่วYa PhaewThai) (featuring DJ Matoom) (2017)
- "Yak Suay" (อยากสวยYak SuayThai) (original by Am Saowaluck) (2017)
- "Mai Yak Pen Baeb Nee" (ไม่อยากเป็นแบบนี้Mai Yak Pen Baeb NeeThai) (2018)
3.4. Soundtracks
She has contributed to various film and television drama soundtracks:
| Year | Song Title | Drama/Movie Title | Featuring |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | ฝากดินกลิ่นดาวFak Din Klin DaoThai | ฝากดินกลิ่นดาวFak Din Klin DaoThai | Sarawut Martthong |
| 2005 | เข้ามาใกล้ๆKhaw ma kli kliThai | ตลาดน้ำดำเนินฯ...รักTaladnaam DumnernThai | - |
| 2012 | ของรักของหวงKorng Ruk Kong HaungThai | ต้มยำลำซิ่งTom Yum Lum SingThai | - |
| รักแท้ไม่มีจริงRuk Thae Mai Me JingThai | The Sixth Sense สื่อรักสัมผัสหัวใจThe Sixth Sense Seu Rak Sampad HaujaiThai | - | |
| 2013 | เพลงที่เขียนไม่จบPleng Ti Khien Mai CobThai | จิตสัมผัส 3DThe Second Sight 3DThai | - |
| ใจอ่อนFalling In LoveThai | Only God Forgives | - | |
| 2014 | เก็บด้วยน้ำตาKeb Dauy Nam tarThai | เลือดมังกร ตอน หงส์LueadMungKorn - HongThai | - |
| 2016 | เถียนมีมี่Thien Mi MiThai | เถียนมีมี่ รักเธอชั่วนิรันดร์Thien Mi Mi Ruk Ther Chaw Ni RanThai | - |
| อย่าชะล่าใจXya Chala JaiThai | เสือ ชะนี เก้งSuea Chani KengThai | Tanatat Chaiat & Pongsak Rattanapong |
3.5. Music Videos
Rhatha Phongam has appeared in music videos for her own songs and for other artists:
| Year | Song | Singer |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | พูดทำไมPhud Tham-maiThai | Popetorn Soonthornyanakij |
3.6. Concerts
Rhatha Phongam has performed in and participated in various notable concerts and musical events throughout her career:
- 1999: Phalang Phaen Din Concert
- 2001: Greet Toom Boom Concert
- 2002: Mahakam Concert Took Jai Kon Thai
- 2012: GOT SHOW: Petch Tud Petch Concert, where she was a guest alongside Ratchanok Srilopan, Earn Surattikan, Tai Orathai, Takatan Chonlada, Daojai Paijit, Apaporn Nakornsawan, Bumrer Phong-insee, Hed Por Chern Yern, Nulek Konbai, and Sophia La.
- 2013: Grammy Happy Face-tival: Party Reunion Concert
- 2017: Tay Fair Festival Carnival 2016: Tay Fair Mae Krong Muang, as a guest with Katreeya English and China Dolls.
- 2018: GREEN CONCERT #21: DANCE FEVER
- 2022: Cassette Festival 2
- 2023: Grammy RS 2K Celebration Concert
4. Acting Career
Rhatha Phongam has an extensive acting career across film, television, and stage, including both Thai and international productions.
4.1. Filmography
Rhatha Phongam's major film roles include:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Jan Dara the Beginning | Boonlueang | Thai production, lead role with Mario Maurer |
| 2012 | Happy Family | Ying | Thai production |
| 2013 | Tom Yum Goong 2 | No. 20 | Thai production, with Tony Jaa |
| Angels | Roong | Thai production, with Bongkoj Khongmalai | |
| The Second Sight 3D | Joom | Thai production, lead role with Nawat Kulrattanarak; also performed the theme song "Unfinished Song" | |
| Only God Forgives | Mai | Hollywood production, main cast with Ryan Gosling and Vithaya Pansringarm | |
| Jan Dara: The Finale | Boonlueang | Thai production, with Mario Maurer | |
| 2014 | Lupin the 3rd | Miss V | Japanese production |
| Ghost Coins | Bua | Thai production | |
| 2016 | Mechanic: Resurrection | Renee Tran / Courier | Hollywood production, supporting role with Jason Statham and Jessica Alba |
| 2019 | Sisters | Ratree (Queen of the Krasue) | Thai production |
| 2021 | One for the Road | TaK | Thai production |
| 2022 | Fistful of Vengeance | Ku An Qi | Hollywood production, with Iko Uwais, Lewis Tan, Lawrence Kao, Juju Chan, Pearl Thusi, Francesca Torney, and Jason Tobin |
| 2024-2025 | Wan Sud Tai Kon Bye Ther | Loei/Dum | Thai production |
4.2. Television Series
Rhatha Phongam has appeared in numerous Thai television dramas:
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Fak Din Klin Dao (ฝากดินกลิ่นดาวFak Din Klin DaoThai) | Buarai | Channel 3 | Lead role with Sarawut Martthong |
| 2012 | Tom Yum Rum Shing (ต้มยำลำซิ่งTom Yum Lum SingThai) | Fahsi Jaisa-on | Channel 3 | Main cast |
| The Sixth Sense (The Sixth Sense สื่อรักสัมผัสหัวใจThe Sixth Sense Seu Rak Sampad HaujaiThai) | Monlada / Baimon / Wayo | Channel 3 | Guest role | |
| Raeng Ngao (แรงเงาRaeng NgaoThai) | Saiwarin | Channel 3 | Guest role | |
| 2013 | Dao Kiao Duen (ดาวเกี้ยวเดือนDao Kiao DuenThai) | Onuma | Channel 3 | Main cast |
| Paap Ataan (ภาพอาถรรพณ์Paap AtaanThai) | Saluayket / Ketlada | Channel 5 | Main cast | |
| My Melody 360 Ongsa Rak | Rose | Modernine TV | Main cast | |
| Carabao The Series | Nampetch | MCOT | Guest role | |
| 2015 | Seua (Luead Mungkorn) (เสือ (เลือดมังกร)Thai) | Yokmanee (Jae Yok) | Channel 3 | Supporting role |
| Sing (Luead Mungkorn) (สิงห์ (เลือดมังกร)Thai) | Yokmanee (Jae Yok) | Channel 3 | Supporting role | |
| Krating (Luead Mungkorn) (กระทิง (เลือดมังกร)Thai) | Yokmanee (Jae Yok) | Channel 3 | Supporting role | |
| Raed (Luead Mungkorn) (แรด (เลือดมังกร)Thai) | Yokmanee (Jae Yok) | Channel 3 | Supporting role | |
| Hong (Luead Mungkorn) (หงส์ (เลือดมังกร)Thai) | Yokmanee (Jae Yok) | Channel 3 | Supporting role | |
| Sud Kaen Saen Rak (สุดแค้นแสนรักSud Kaen Saen RakThai) | Sudarat Mankij | Channel 3 | Supporting role with Pidsanu Nimsakul | |
| 2016 | Kamlai Mas (กำไลมาศKamlai MasThai) | Sawita Saengpetch / Lompetch | Channel 3 | Main cast |
| Suea Chani Keng (เสือ ชะนี เก้งSuea Chani KengThai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role | |
| Tian Mimi Rak Ni Chua Niran (เถียนมีมี่ รักเธอชั่วนิรันดร์Thien Mi Mi Ruk Ther Chaw Ni RanThai) | Tingting Saelim | True4U | Lead role with Popetorn Soonthornyanakij | |
| 2017 | Tawan Yor Saeng (ตะวันยอแสงTawan Yor SaengThai) | Primprao | Channel 3 | Supporting role |
| Chai Khop (ชายขอบChai KhopThai) | Pim | Channel 3 | Part of "Kha Khong Phaen Din" series | |
| Suea Chani Keng Season 2 (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง ซีซั่น 2Suea Chani Keng Season 2Thai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role | |
| Sri Ayodhaya (ศรีอโยธยาSri AyodhayaThai) | Jao Jom Ratree | True4U | Supporting role | |
| 2017 | Farang | Pranee | TV4 (Sweden) | Swedish series |
| 2018 | Suea Chani Keng 2018 (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง 2018Suea Chani Keng 2018Thai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role |
| Club Friday The Series 9 Ruk Mai Mee Jing (Club Friday The Series 9 รักครั้งหนึ่ง ที่ไม่ถึงตายClub Friday The Series 9 Ruk Mai Mee JingThai) | Mat | GMM 25 | Lead role with Thana Suthikamorn | |
| Secret Moon (มีเพียงรัก Secret MoonSecret MoonThai) | Janerawee / "Jane" | Channel 3 | Supporting role | |
| Seua Chanee Gayng: Freshy (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง Freshy เปิดตำนานแก๊ง 3 ทหารเสือSeua Chanee Gayng: FreshyThai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role | |
| 2019 | Suea Chani Keng 2019 (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง 2019Suea Chani Keng 2019Thai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role |
| A Gift For Whom You Hate (ของขวัญเพื่อคนที่คุณเกลียดA Gift For Whom You HateThai) | Khru Kim | GMM 25 | Main cast with Toni Rakkaen | |
| 2020 | Suea Chani Keng 2020 (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง 2020Suea Chani Keng 2020Thai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role |
| Fai Sin Chua (ไฟสิ้นเชื้อFai Sin ChuaThai) | Vichuda | GMM 25 | Lead role with Krirkphol Masayavanich | |
| Kadee Rak Kham Pop (คดีรักข้ามภพKadee Rak Kham PopThai) | Hiso Mudmee (Guest) | One 31 | Guest role | |
| 2021 | Suea Chani Keng 2021 (เสือ ชะนี เก้ง 2021Suea Chani Keng 2021Thai) | Aphisara Wechabul (Oil) | One 31 | Lead role |
| 2022 | Drag, I Love You (นางฟ้าคาบาเรต์Drag, I Love YouThai) | Lucy | GMM 25 | |
| Mummy Tee Rak (มามี้ที่รักMummy Tee RakThai) | Sarinta (Lin) | Channel 3 HD | Supporting role with Suriyon Aroonwattanakul | |
| To Sir, with Love (คุณชายTo Sir, with LoveThai) | Cai Xiao Tong | One 31 | Supporting role | |
| Club Friday The Series Love & Belief: Kum Sa Barn (Club Friday The Series Love & Belief ความรักกับความเชื่อClub Friday The Series Love & Belief: Kum Sa BarnThai) | Phatcha (Phat) | One 31 | ||
| 2023 | The Office Games (ร้อยเล่มเกมส์ออฟฟิศThe Office GamesThai) | Duangduea | Amazon Prime Video / Channel 3 HD | |
| 2024 | The Musical Murder (ฆาตกรรม เดอะ มิวสิคัลThe Musical MurderThai) | Khwanruthai | Mono Max | |
| 2025 | Ruean Chon Saeng (เรือนโชนเเสงRuean Chon SaengThai) | Duean | One 31 | |
| Salak Rak Nai Saengjan (สลักรักในแสงจันทร์Salak Rak Nai SaengjanThai) | One 31 | |||
| Sai Rak Sai Lueat (สายรัก สายเลือดSai Rak Sai LueatThai) | Nuanjan | Channel 3 |
4.3. Sitcoms
Rhatha Phongam has also appeared in several Thai sitcoms:
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Raberd Terd Terng (ระเบิดเถิดเทิงRaberd Terd TerngThai) | Ying | Channel 5 | Guest appearance |
| 2013 | My Melody 360 Ongsa Rak | Rose | Modernine TV | Main cast |
| 2016-2021 | Suea Chani Keng (เสือ ชะนี เก้งSuea Chani KengThai) | Oil | One 31 | Lead role, spanning multiple seasons and spin-offs including Suea Chani Keng Season 2, Suea Chani Keng 2018, Suea Chani Keng 2019, Suea Chani Keng 2020, Suea Chani Keng 2021, and Seua Chanee Gayng: Freshy. |
4.4. Plays
Her theatrical work includes:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Heaven and Sand The Musical (ฟ้าจรดทราย เดอะมิวสิคัลHeaven and Sand The MusicalThai) | Kaech chee ya |
| 2012 | Mae Bia The Musical (แม่เบี้ย เดอะมิวสิคัลMae Bia The MusicalThai) | Mekhla |
| 2015 | Wan Sal-a sode kub jode kao kao (วันสละโสด กับโจทก์เก่าๆWan Sal-a sode kub jode kao kaoThai) | Phrao |
| 2019 | Sat Manut (สัตว์มนุษย์Sat ManutThai) | Ying Rhatha Phongam |
4.5. Voice Roles
Rhatha Phongam has lent her voice to dubbing roles in films:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Maleficent | Maleficent | Thai dub |
| Lupin the 3rd | Miss V | Thai dub | |
| 2019 | Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Maleficent | Thai dub |
5. Other Activities
Beyond her music and acting careers, Rhatha Phongam has engaged in various other professional ventures, including television appearances, hosting, and online content creation.
5.1. Television Appearances and Hosting
Rhatha Phongam has served as a television host (MC) and participated in reality shows:
- She was one of the three mentors on The Face Thailand Season 1 in 2014, alongside Metinee Kingpayom and Chermarn Boonyasak.
- She served as an advisor for Dance Your Fat Off in both its first and second seasons.
- She participated in THE MASK SINGER Thailand Season 2 as the "Golden Pig Mask," performing the song "Skyfall" in Group A, but was eliminated in her pairing against the "Salapao Mask".
5.2. YouTube and Online Content
Rhatha Phongam has also ventured into online content creation:
- In 2018, she hosted "The Couple: Ep.1 [1/5] Paris to Berlin" on her YouTube channel, The Couple YT.
6. Awards and Recognition
Rhatha Phongam has received several accolades and nominations throughout her career for her contributions to the entertainment industry:
| Year | Award Ceremony | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-2000 | Outstanding Singer for Youth (Female) | Won | ||
| 2001 | Outstanding Youth (Morality and Ethics) | Won | ||
| 2002 | Top Awards 2002 | Best Youth Group Singer | 2002 Rah Tree | Nominated |
| 2004 | Ho Chi Minh City Television, Vietnam | Cultural Music Ambassador for Thailand | Won | |
| 2012 | Top Awards 2012 | Best Female Rising Star (Film) | Jan Dara the Beginning | Won |
| Entertainment Reporters Association of Thailand Awards | Silver Doll Outstanding Rising Star (Special Award) | Jan Dara the Beginning | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Suphannahong National Film Awards 23rd | Best Supporting Actress (Film) | Angels | Nominated |
| Kerd Awards 2nd | Kerd Award of the Year | - | Nominated | |
| Siam Dara Stars Awards 2013 | Best Leading Actress (Film) | Jan Dara: The Finale | Nominated |
7. Political Stance and Social Activities
Rhatha Phongam has publicly expressed her views on social and political issues in Thailand. She demonstrated support for the 2020-2021 Thai protests and voiced her opposition to the use of violence during the crackdown at the Pathumwan Intersection in 2020.
8. Legacy and Evaluation
Rhatha Phongam's career spans over two decades, establishing her as a versatile and enduring figure in the Thai entertainment industry. Her ability to seamlessly transition between singing, acting, and modeling, coupled with her international ventures, has solidified her reputation as a multi-talented artist. Her role in Only God Forgives significantly elevated her global profile, showcasing her dramatic range to a wider audience. Domestically, she is celebrated for her consistent presence in popular television dramas and her contributions to the music scene, from her early pop albums to her participation in successful group projects. Her public stance on social issues also highlights her engagement beyond entertainment, reflecting a commitment to societal matters.